Heino Kuhn signs Kolpak contract with Kent

Heino Kuhn looking forward to join the Kent squad.

South African cricketer –Heino Kuhn has been signed up by Kent County Cricket Club for the upcoming domestic season of English county cricket, subject to obtain a visa. The young batter will be available for Kent to play all three formats of the game, confirmed by the Club on Wednesday (7 March).

The batsman is all set to join the club as a Kolpak player.

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton told BBC Sport, “We're delighted to welcome a player of Heino's quality and experience to the club. We believe Heino can complement our talented batsmen across the three formats and serve as a mentor to those coming through the ranks.”

With the deal, Kuhn becomes the newest South African player to quit international cricket to play in the county game as a Kolpak player. The 33-year-old has scored about 10 000 first-class runs at an average of 43.99 with 23 centuries and 46 fifties to his name.

Meanwhile, Kuhn said of his signing a Kolpak deal with Kent, “I'm delighted to get the opportunity to play county cricket and I’m looking forward to joining the Kent squad. I want to contribute positively to the team and bring my experience from winning trophies in South Africa.”

The right-hander has played four Tests and seven T20 Internationals for South Africa. South Africa on the other hand, after losing the first Test against Australia will look to bounce back in Port Elizabeth.

The Australian win in Durban was overshadowed by the spat between Warner and De Kock. Going into the second Test, Australia has already announced their playing XI. Skipper Steve Smith has asked his players to be focussed on the next game and get over personal differences.